Nurse Practitioner — Walk‑In Care for Unhoused Communities

Unity Care NW; Bellingham (WA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Description

Make a difference by serving our unhoused neighbors as the medical provider for The Way Station in downtown Bellingham, WA!

Individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to become ill, have greater hospitalization rates, and die at a younger age than the general population. The Way Station provides individuals and families experiencing homelessness with a range of health and social services to assist in improving their health outcomes and aiding their transition to sustainable housing. This unique facility serves people in need of showers, laundry, restrooms, medical and behavioral health care, case management, and other services provided by partner organizations including respite care.

As the sole medical provider, this role works with a Medical Assistant seeing patients on a walk‑in basis for a limited scope of services including wound care, treating infections & illnesses, and performing point of care testing. While The Way Station does not serve as a primary care home, it provides a bridge to primary care and assists with connecting clients to a Primary Care Provider. The ideal candidate will have experience providing whole‑person, team‑based care in an empathy‑forward, trauma‑informed manner that acknowledges the barriers and inequities experienced by our unhoused patients.

Compensation

• Salary, exempt
• The standard wage range for this role is $127,754‑$159,702 per year
• It may be possible to earn more over time up to $191,630 per year
• Eligible for Sign‑On/Relocation Bonus (subject to payback clause)
• Incentive pay for working full time

Work Schedule

• Monday‑Friday
• Full‑time working 5 days per week

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401(K) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays
• Paid Time Off (160 hours 1st year, 208 hours 2nd year, increasing at Year 5 & Year 10 thereafter)
• Other paid leaves including: Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow & Organ Transplant
• Life/AD&D insurance
• Malpractice insurance through the Federal Torts Claims Act with tail coverage
• Sabbatical Leave accrual
• Reimbursement of state license, DEA registration & board certification renewal fees
• Continuing Education (days & funds)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Self‑funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Transportation Incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursements
• Optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long‑Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Travel & Identity Theft Protection
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonuses & Will preparation services

Loan Repayment Application Opportunities

• Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness – details can be viewed at Federal Student Aid
• Eligible providers may apply for loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps, Washington Student Achievement Council &/or Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Currently certified in Family Practice through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Licensed as a registered nurse and advanced registered nurse practitioner or as a physician assistant in the state of Washington and in good standing with the medical board (or eligible to obtain licensure)
• Active drug enforcement administration (DEA) registration with no restrictions (or eligible to obtain registration)
• Current basic life support (BLS) certification (we can provide upon hire)

Preferred Qualifications

• Family Practice experience in an outpatient, urgent care, walk‑in &/or emergency department setting
• Experience in a community health center or similar organization providing care to unhoused and underserved populations
• Experience working as an independent practitioner with patients who have complex co‑morbidities including hypertension, diabetes, mental illness, chronic pain, and substance use disorder
• Experience with children and women's health
• Experience working with individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and socio‑economic levels, treating them with sensitivity and respect
• Proficient with Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook & Word, HR/Payroll/Timesheet systems & learning management systems

Candidates who meet the requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply!

Unity Care NW Employee Health Program

The program requires all new employees to have up to date vaccines for influenza and strongly encourages up to date vaccines for COVID-19. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.